Climate Change Social Impact Worldwide

Sea-level rise, extreme weather events, soil erosion, desertification, water shortages, pollution, wars and changing agricultural conditions force communities to migrate. This can result in the displacement of vulnerable populations, leading to social tensions, environmental refugees and challenges in integrating migrants within the new communities.

Bangladesh serves as a clear real-life example of the challenges associated with displacement and migration due to climate change impacts, particularly sea-level rise.

Bangladesh, a low-lying deltaic country, is highly vulnerable to sea-level rise caused by climate change. The melting of polar ice and glaciers, coupled with thermal expansion, contributes to elevated sea levels. Additionally, the country faces an increased frequency and intensity of cyclones in the Bay of Bengal.

Coastal areas of Bangladesh are severely affected, with rising sea levels leading to saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources and increased vulnerability to storm surges during cyclones. This jeopardizes the livelihoods of communities dependent on agriculture and fisheries in these regions. As a consequence, many coastal residents find their homes and agricultural lands submerged or rendered uninhabitable. These climate-induced changes force communities to migrate internally or across borders in search of safer and more sustainable living conditions, thus creating a refugee dilemma worldwide.

The migration of large populations due to climate change from rural to urban areas and across borders poses significant challenges. Urban centers become crowded, straining infrastructure and resources. Migrants often face social-racial tensions, economic hardships, and difficulties in integrating into new communities. The influx of climate refugees into cities like Dhaka, for example, creates informal settlements with inadequate housing and limited access to basic services. The strain on urban infrastructure further exacerbates existing socio-economic disparities and challenges governance structures.

Changes in precipitation patterns affect fresh water availability, leading to shortages in certain regions. This can trigger conflicts over water resources and impact community well-being. The migration of people across borders due to climate change raises questions about international cooperation, refugee protection, and the need for global strategies to address the impacts of environmental displacement.

In Jordan, agriculture is a significant water consumer, and climate change-induced factors, including irregular rainfall and rising temperatures, that is clearly detectable in existing weather conditions in Jordan this November-December season of 2024, affect crop yields and contribute to soil degradation. Farmers face challenges in sustaining traditional agricultural practices due to water limitations and heat exacerbation. Over-extraction of groundwater, often exceeding natural recharge rates, has led to the depletion of aquifers. This unsustainable use of groundwater contributes to the long-term challenge of maintaining a stable and secure water supply.

Sub-Saharan Africa, with its high dependence on rain-fed agriculture, is vulnerable to climate change, affecting staple crops like maize and contributing to food insecurity. Climate change has led to unpredictable and erratic rainfall patterns in Sub-Saharan Africa. Extended droughts and irregular precipitation affect the timing and success of planting and harvesting seasons. Maize is a critical staple crop in many Sub-Saharan African countries, serving as a primary food source for millions of people. Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns directly impact maize production.

Erratic weather conditions result in reduced yields and crop failures. Smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of agricultural production in the region, face challenges in sustaining their livelihoods as their crops are increasingly vulnerable to climate-related stresses. Declines in maize production contribute to food shortages and price volatility, making it difficult for vulnerable communities to access an affordable and nutritious diet. This situation exacerbates malnutrition, particularly among children and pregnant women. Food insecurity has broader social and economic implications. Families and communities dependent on agriculture for income and sustenance find themselves grappling with poverty, leading to a cycle of vulnerability that is challenging to break.

Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa are implementing adaptation strategies, including the introduction of drought-resistant crop varieties, water management practices, and diversification of agricultural activities. However, resource constraints and the scale of the challenge call for the need for broader international cooperation to address the root causes of climate change and support vulnerable communities. The example of Sub-Saharan Africa illustrates how climate change-induced disruptions to agriculture, particularly the production of staple crops, can contribute to food insecurity, perpetuating challenges for vulnerable populations in the region and probable social unrest and migration.